The world's best eFootballers are currently jostling to be in the top 60 of the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Rankings in order to secure a berth at the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019 Playoffs and have a chance of advancing to the tournament proper. We take a closer look at the players in contention on each console:

The frontrunners (places 1-3 on each console)

Both 'Nicolas99fc’ and 'F2Tekkz' remain at the summit of their respective consoles, but there have been changes in the chasing packs in recent weeks. After several strong performances, including at the FIFA eNations Cup™, 'Maestro' climbed to second place in the PlayStation ranking for the first time. His national team colleague 'DaXe' jumped up to third on the Xbox leaderboard, behind reigning FIFA eWorld Cup™ champion 'Msdossary’, who cemented second spot with a number of excellent displays. 'StefanoPinna', runner-up at the 2018 eWorld Cup, consolidated third place in the PlayStation chart.

On course for the FIFA eWorld Cup (places 4 - 16)

Alongside those leading the way, there are several more players currently occupying the eWorld Cup qualifying spots, with the top 16 on each console going on to the tournament after the playoffs. In addition to former Grand Finalists including 'Dani’, 'MegaBit' and 'MoAuba', there are newcomers on the international scene such as 'Hasoo', 'doolsta' and 'RebelStokes’.

Within reach of the top 16 (places 16 - 25)

Hot on their heels are several elite players and Grand Finalists from last year, such as 'Marcuzo', 'RomaDamie’ and Japan's 'WebNasri'. Six-time Grand Finalist and 2014 world champion August Rosenmeier is currently in 23rd place and within touching distance of the top 16. It is a similar story on Xbox, where 'Rafsou’, 'HashtagRyan’, Brazil's 'SPQRSenna’ and a number of other former Grand Finalists are lurking. As in the case on the PlayStation leaderboard, a former world champion is in this section, with 'Gorilla' presently in 22nd.

In line for the playoffs (places 26 - 60)

It has been a particularly tight race in this sector over the past few weeks. A number of players have performed consistently well over the course of the season and are now in a good position to reach the playoffs. We shine the spotlight on some of them:

'Isopowerr' (PlayStation ranking: 29)

The Turkish gamer took the eFootball world by surprise along with 'Futbolist' at the FIFA eClub World Cup™ and is currently among the top 30.

'Andonii' (PlayStation ranking: 32)

A Grand Finalist last year, 'Andonii' has picked up valuable Global Series Points this year at the Continental Cup and the FUT Champions Cup in Bucharest, among others.

'SaLz0r' (Xbox ranking: 31)

The German qualified for the 2016 Grand Final and has a good chance of reaching the FIFA eWorld Cup this year thanks to some consistent showings.

Night Watch (Xbox ranking: 41)

The Bulgarian has already qualified for two FUT Champions Cups and is among the best eight in the eChampions League, where he beat wonderkid 'F2Tekkz' in the group stage.

Over the coming weeks it will be intriguing to see what further changes there are, who will qualify for the playoffs and who will go on to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019. Head here for an overview of all upcoming events.